Blog

60 Successful Years!

The Ice Age Trail Alliance supporters, staff, and community members had lots to celebrate August 8-12 during our Ice Age Trail Days.

Ice Age Trail Alliance founder, Ray Zillmer.

Beginning with the dream of a single individual, Ray Zillmer who, in 1958, envisioned the Ice Age Trail and established what would become the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Fast forward 60 years and the Ice Age Trail is one of only eleven National Scenic Trails in the United States and the Alliance its strongest advocate.

We now count a dedicated membership base of 3,500 advocates and over 2,100 wildly enthusiastic volunteers who generate almost 80,000 hours of time and effort to create, support, and protect our thousand-mile footpath. Over 1.3 million people are able to use the Trail annually thanks to these folks.

And so we CELEBRATED!

By Building a Mile-Long Section of Trail…

An appealing set of stone steps lead hikers up to new heights. Photo by Tim Malzhan.

Our mission is simple and singular: to create, support, and protect one of the premier outdoor experiences in the country – the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. To this end, 185 volunteers arrived from across the State to build a memorable 1-mile section of Trail as part of our signature Mobile Skills Crew program. Built by hand, and with 4,100 hours of labor, the Trail hosted its first hikers on Saturday afternoon. Through muggy conditions and a searing sun, volunteers constructed 14 stone steps, 260 feet of stoneand timber retaining walls, installed 18 signage posts, cleared acres of brush, and prepared countless meals.

A volunteer paints a fresh blaze on the Cross Plains Segment of the Ice Age Trail. (photo by Cameron Gillie)

Theresa Werner leads the volunteer roundup before the crews head out to work on a new portion of the Cross Plains Segment of the Ice Age Trail. (photo by Cameron Gillie)

Tim Malzhan gets volunteers pumped up and stretched for the upcoming work day on the Cross Plains Segment of the Ice Age Trail. (photo by Cameron Gillie)

Click on the photo and download a PDF of the new section of Ice Age Trail. (photo by Dave Caliebe)

With a Farm-to-Table Dinner, Cake, and Music…

The Ice Age Trail Alliance celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Ice Age Trail in Cross Plains. (photo by Cameron Gillie)

The Ice Age Trail Alliance celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Ice Age Trail in Cross Plains. (photo by Cameron Gillie)

Trail friends enjoy a fantastic meal at the community dinner in Cross Plains. (photo by Cameron Gillie)

The Paul Filipowicz band plays for the 60th anniversary party in Cross Plains. (photo by Cameron Gillie)

Volunteers find a new reserve of energy and dance to foot-stomping tunes. (photo by Cameron Gillie)

By Exploring Favorite Trails…

Young hikers take part in a Tyke Hike in Cross Plains put on by the Ice Age Trail Alliance as part of the 60th anniversary celebration of the Ice Age Trail. (photo by Cameron Gillie)

A Tyke Hike led by Luke Kramer, an Intro to Trail Running workshop hosted by Jonnah Mellenthin Perkins, a Cross Plains History hike by Doc and Char Esser, and a guided hike along the brand new mile-long section led by Director of Trail Operations, Tim Malzhan rounded out Saturday!

Young hikers take part in a Tyke Hike which began at the Rosemary Garfoot Public Library and explored the Anderson Preserve in Cross Plains. (photo by Cameron Gillie)

A crew of runners gather for an informative Intro to Trail Running workshop. (photo by Amy Lord)

Community members attend a History of Cross Plains hike. (photo by Cameron Gillie)

Tim Malzhan leads community members on hike on the newest section of the Ice Age Trail in Cross Plains. (photo by Cameron Gillie)

The packs donated by Granite Gear were packed with outdoor gear from REI and goodies unique to our Trail Communities.

By Introducing Our Trail Friends to Our Friends of the Trail…

The Ice Age Trail Alliance celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Ice Age Trail in Cross Plains. (photo by Cameron Gillie)

Collaboration and partnership are key ingredients in our success during the past 60 years. These elements were evident in our community-wide celebration which opened with partner exhibits, highlighting the important work of organizations whose missions dovetail with and support our work.

We were honored to showcase the good work of these fine organizations:

Seeds planted 60 years ago with the creation of the Ice Age Trail Alliance and 50 years ago with the passage of the National Trail System Act, have germinated thanks to the enduring contributions of conservation-minded volunteers like YOU. Taking root, the vision of premier, continuous, and permanently protected Trail will continue to grow and strengthen over the next 60 years. We will continue to craft and protect a resilient footpath showcasing the best of Wisconsin’s outdoor landscape.